NYC Destination Wedding Guide

In case you weren’t aware – I am a destination wedding photographer. I love to travel, and welcome the opportunity to take my camera beyond the limits of the New York City subway. Quite often, however, the shoe is on the other foot, and I am hired by clients for whom New York City is the location of their destination wedding. I am always asked for planning tips, so I have put together a NYC destination wedding guide. Enjoy this definitive list (in my opinion) of where to go and who to book for your New York City nuptials.

The price of a ticket is almost always changing, but in short, get a MetroCard and put a given amount of money on it. If you will be traveling extensively on the subway (most people end up getting a cab here and there and walking a lot), then and only then, does it make sense to get an unlimited MetroCard. Due to price hikes, paying as you ride is usually cheaper.

If you are not using the subway, then use Lyft.

Necessary Details

Finding a free bathroom in the city can be a tourist’s biggest challenge. Here is a nifty map showing the most easily accessible restrooms in the city.

You can also find outlets to charge all of your electronics in Bryant Park.

Weather

Weather is a constant enemy of tourists and residents alike. We get unpredictable, overcast skies from November until May. The weather is nice in spring and fall, but both seasons are short. Expect lots of rain in June, and plenty of humidity in July and August.

October is always considered a great month for weddings, but note that Hurricane Sandy happened on October 29, 2012. Just sayin’.

Everyone has their own favorite weather app, but when I have to know what’s coming next in the city, I go to NBC New York. I just like their weather people.

Shopping

If you left anything at home and need to pick up any last minute items, there are delis or bodegas (read this to understand the difference between the two) on just about every corner. Most are open 24 hours a day.

Target is a great place to pick up just about anything, and the Macy’s in Herald Square will have everything from kitchenware (last minute gift ideas) to a new suit.

What to Do in New York

Time Out New York is still the best resource for finding things to do in the city. You can also check out these links:

My approach to this list is to recommend the vendors I have worked with previously and whom I would be proud to hire for my own wedding. All of these vendors are professional, creative, and will absolutely get the job done. In my seven years of photographing weddings and events here in New York City, I have worked with a lot of vendors. These are the ones that stand out to me personally.

Event Planner

If you are planning your wedding from afar, then I always recommend having a set of feet on the ground and to use a wedding planner.

Even if you want to just have someone to take care of day-of details, an event planner is never a bad investment. And for this task, I would put my money on Hold Your Hand Events.

Saying ‘I Do’

If this is a small wedding, you will probably be tying the knot at City Hall. To find out all the details of what you can expect for a NYC City Hall wedding, read this article.

If you want to host your own private ceremony, I always recommend Rev. Mary-Rose Engle. She is so sincere, and can customize your ceremony completely.

Unique Venues and Places to Stay

Again, if this is a small wedding, you will probably be getting hitched at City Hall. If not, try these beautifully intimate spaces:

If you want cheap chic bling, then try Laila Rowe or Charming Charlie. Charming Charlie has a great selection of faux pashmina scarves.

Makeup and Hair

You can never go wrong with Sephora, and they offer makeup application as well. The Sephora in Times Square is open until midnight, by the way.

If you want to stay away from the crowds, I recommend Pucker makeup salon in SoHo.

For hair, try any of the Ricky’s Revolver salons. I have always had good luck with their stylists.

Flowers

If April showers bring May flowers, then we are due for a blooming spring. (Seriously, I am sick of the gloomy, rainy weather.) In any case, check out Flowers by Richard for a beautiful, but quick bouquet.

If you are in Brooklyn, check out Sprout for lovely succulents and truly unique arrangements.

Decorations

Since we are probably talking about a small wedding, you won’t need much in the way of decorations. But if you do, try one of the many Paper Source stores throughout the city. They have paper flowers and other interesting options that can work for centerpieces in a pinch.

There are also a few Michael’s craft stores in the city that have wonderfully creative options and a great selection of candles and frames.

Cake and Desserts

I am a huge dessert fan, but narrowing it down to two unique bakeries was quite easy. Prohibition Bakery makes the most distinctive cupcakes I have had in my seven years of photographing weddings. Their cupcakes are all cocktail-inspired (big surprise that I’m a fan), and they have a dark-and-stormy-flavored cupcake that is to die for. Confession: I ate seven of them during Joanna and Ruben’s wedding at the Housing Works Bookstore.

About Me

Hi there! I am a NYC-based, documentary-style wedding, event, and portrait photographer. I love telling the story of someone’s love, life, and happiness in one frame. The photos I capture tell stories of real emotion and sheer joy.